Engine Diagnostic Warning

[Lady Caroline]

While driving gently yesterday the engine diagnostic light came on briefly and the warning sounded (briefly). The engine didn't cut out, but it seriously lost power, so I drove home. When I went to the garage this morning to have it checked, it was running normally again. The repairer said it could be the coil (which would cost about £45 for the part and a similar amount for labour) but we agreed that I'd wait and see whether the problem occurred again. I drove it again this afternoon and it was fine. Does anyone have any advice please?

Many thanks.

[GrandadMonkey]

Have you been doing a lot of short runs lately? Where are you buying your fuel? Do you let it get really low on fuel before you fill up? Had you just filled up or were you nearly on empty? When were the spark plugs last renewed? Yours is a low mileage car - have the spark plugs ever been changed?

If the coil pack is on the way out then see http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/ ... tm?t=54388

£45 seems very cheap for a pukka coil pack.

[Capncol]

...........and £45 seems a lot to change it!!


Did you get any messages in central display ?(MFD)
If not, I would just see how it goes. Could well have been a one off.

[Lady Caroline]

Thank you Capncol and GrandadMonkey for your assistance. It has a general service once a year and the plugs were replaced in March. Meanwhile it seems to be fine so I've decided to avoid the small garage selling slightly cheaper fuel and stick to the main brands and hope there's no repeat. The fuel level wasn't low and I try not to let it get too low. No there was no message in the display, just the "beep", light on briefly and serious loss of power, which appears to be cured now.
Your help is very much appreciated.

[GrandadMonkey]

Sounds like a "one-off", perhaps it sooted up while cold then burnt off the unburnt fuel (or it evaporated) while it was warm. You are looking after the car with regular servicing so with decent fuel you should find that you keep any problems at a minimum. I use Shell V-Power and BP Ultimate as a rule. They are a bit more expensive than regular fuel but I think its worth it in the long run. The additives in them are designed to help the engine run cleaner.

[Lady Caroline]

Thank you GrandadMonkey. I'll follow your advice as I want to keep my car for a long time.
It suits me so well. I'm surprised by the way that no one here has said they have a Roland Garros like mine.

[Enright]

Can you post any pics of it? Would be nice to see.

[Lady Caroline]

Will give it a wash and see what I can do.

[Lady Caroline]

I did try but I couldn't send it. It was a good photo, taken on a "proper" camera. Can anyone help?

[Rivis]

Hi Lady Caroline, when you post a reply there is a tab at the bottom of the page "Upload attachment", select that, then click on "Choose file", that lets you browse your computer for the photo, select one then click on "Add File", then click on "Place inline" - you can preview your post and the photo should show. Any questions please ask.